A truck accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. One moment you’re driving to work or to grab dinner with friends; the next, you’re dealing with serious injuries, expensive medical care, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. It’s a lot to carry, especially when insurance companies start calling and pushing for quick decisions.
Behind the scenes, trucking companies are already protecting themselves. Their insurers and legal teams get to work immediately, focused on limiting what they pay. Without the right support, it’s easy to feel outmatched.
That’s where Meldon Law comes in. Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale take on the legal burden, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Call today to see how our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys can help you.
Why Hire Our Firm for Your Truck Wreck Case?
In the aftermath of a truck accident, trucking companies and their insurers will often attempt to minimize their liability. They may attempt to pin the blame on you, or they may claim that you did not suffer serious injuries.
Working with one of our Florida truck accident attorneys grants you the time and strength you need to recover from your injuries. Our team will build your case by:
- Examining the accident report from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department
- Meeting with your medical team and reviewing your medical records
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Collecting evidence
- Preserving electronic monitoring data
- Hiring accident reconstruction teams
Your Accident Attorney Will Fight for You from Start to Finish
Once we’ve laid the groundwork for your case, your truck accident lawyer will:
- Communicate on your behalf with all parties
- File a comprehensive insurance claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
- Prepare for trial and represent you in court
Building a robust truck accident case requires determination, skill, and experience, which is something we have in spades. And you can rest assured that once we take your case, we will pour our time, attention, and energy into it.
We Will Manage All Deadlines in Your Case
Days can turn into weeks, and weeks can turn into months in the aftermath of a serious truck accident. If too much time passes, you could lose the right to compel damages from the at-fault party. Florida Statute § 95.11 notes that you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your filing deadline begins from the date of your accident, although very few exceptions can extend this filing period.
We manage the time-sensitive aspects of your case from start to finish. However, we can’t advocate for you without first understanding the situation at hand. To uphold your right to damages, we encourage you to connect with our team at your earliest convenience. Prompt legal action could make the difference between a successful case and a dismissed one.
The sooner you contact the Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers from Meldon Law, the sooner we can begin building a strong claim to protect your rights in Florida. You can reach us 24/7 by phone or online.
Our Attorneys Will Handle Your Truck Accident Claim Settlement Offer
The insurance company’s first offer:
- May not account for your future expenses, such as anticipated treatments
- Hopes to resolve your case for as little money as possible
- May not include compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
That’s why we ask that you refer all settlement offers to our truck accident legal team before accepting one. If you accept compensation from the insurer, even if it’s just a dollar, your case will end. You don’t want to settle your case for less than it’s worth. Instead, let an attorney at our firm evaluate all offers and advise you on whether to accept.
Our Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyers Have Recovered Millions for Injured Personal Injury Claimants
Our attorneys have successfully represented countless trucking accident claimants throughout Florida. Our time in the legal arena has taught us that big rig crash cases are rarely simple. Each requires a unique approach and intensive investigation, just as each survivor faces individual challenges and needs after an accident.
We Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
Our team knows you have enough to worry about, dealing with your injuries and the expenses that come with them. Paying for legal help doesn’t have to be another worry. Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay a thing upfront for our help. You only pay for our time if we win.
What Damages Do Meldon Law’s Truck Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale Seek in Your Claim?
Florida is a no-fault state. This means you typically seek compensation by filing a claim with your own insurer first. Florida law requires motorists to have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage. However, truck accident injuries often cause much more costly injuries. If you can establish that your injuries exceed the serious injury threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and hold a negligent truck driver or trucking company liable.
Our team will assemble a case that pursues compensation for all your damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Property damage expenses
- Lost wages or future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
Our team knows how to assess your damages and achieve a favorable settlement. With our team’s advocacy, you don’t have to worry about your case’s outcome. We take care of everything.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Will Fight for Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
Serious injuries are all too common in truck accidents, especially those that happen at high speeds on I-95 and I-595. However, a truck accident can cause serious or deadly injuries on local roads like Sunrise Blvd. Our team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Fractures
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Disfiguration and amputation
Truck accidents are too often fatal. We extend our deepest, most heartfelt sympathies if you lost a loved one to a collision. You have the right to hire a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorney if you want to seek damages. Our team is able to offer comprehensive legal assistance to grieving families, so don’t delay and contact our office today.
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
Who Can You Sue in Your Truck Accident Case?
In many cases, both the truck driver and the trucking company can be held liable for damages caused by a truck accident. Determining who to sue depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the relationship between the driver and the trucking company.
You may sue the truck driver if their individual actions directly caused the accident, such as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Engaging in distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Violating traffic laws or regulations
However, trucking companies can also be held liable for accidents caused by their employees under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.” This means that employers are generally responsible for the actions of their employees while they are on the job. Additionally, trucking companies may be directly liable if their own negligence contributed to the accident, such as:
- Failing to properly maintain vehicles
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Encouraging or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations
- Negligent hiring practices, such as employing drivers with poor safety records
In some cases, you may also have a claim against other parties, such as:
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part that contributed to the accident
- The company responsible for loading the cargo, if improper loading led to the accident
- The entity responsible for maintaining the road, if poor road conditions played a role in the accident
A Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney from Meldon Law can help you identify all potentially liable parties and develop a comprehensive legal strategy to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to build a strong case on your behalf.
Get the Legal Help You Need – Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Now!
Call UsWhat Is the Deadline to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law sets a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. For most truck accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit in court. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you will likely lose your legal right to pursue compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.
Although the two-year window may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act promptly. Critical evidence and witness memories can be lost or destroyed over time. Additionally, special circumstances can alter this deadline. For example, if the accident involved a government vehicle, there may be different and often shorter notice requirements that must be met before a lawsuit can be filed. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer promptly after an accident can ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
Begin Your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a truck crash, our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and resources needed to recover damages. We have no problem going toe-to-toe with large trucking companies and fighting for your rights.
To learn more about your legal options, call us. We are here to give you the legal support you need during this challenging time. Let us take the pressure off of you so you can focus on recovering.
Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorneys and Claims FAQs
It’s understandable to have questions about your case moving forward. Our truck collision lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are here to provide all the information you need to make informed decisions.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident?
If you’ve been in a truck accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries don’t seem severe.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness information.
- Continue with your medical treatment. Any deviation from your treatment plan gives the insurance company an excuse to deny your claim.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
Taking these steps after a truck collision can help protect your health, rights, and opportunities to seek damages. Truck collisions often involve multiple parties, lawyers, and insurance companies. That’s why you want to consult with an experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney from Meldon Law as soon as possible. We can guide you through every step of the process, so don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation.
Does It Matter Whether I Contributed to a Truck Accident in Florida?
Florida functions under a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages following an accident if you were partially at fault. However, if you caused most of the accident, you could be ineligible to recover anything. Your percentage of fault will also reduce your recoverable compensation. For example:
- If you were more than 50% responsible for the accident, you will likely be unable to hold the other party liable.
- If you were 25% responsible, you would be able to recover 75% of your final damage award.
It helps to have a truck accident team on your side if the other party blames you for what happened. Your lawyer can gather evidence that refutes their allegations and protects your right to compensation. Supporting evidence in your case could include the accident report, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony.
How Does Truck Driver Negligence Lead to Serious Truck Crashes?
Negligence is a leading cause of truck accidents, as it encompasses a wide range of careless or reckless behaviors that can lead to collisions. Some common examples of negligence that contribute to truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading them to drive for extended hours without adequate rest. Truck driver fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate the vehicle safely.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers who engage in distracting activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while behind the wheel are more likely to cause accidents due to their divided attention.
- Speeding: When truck drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for weather or road conditions, they have less time to react to hazards and are more likely to lose control of their vehicles.
- Improper maintenance: Trucking companies and owners have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles properly. Failing to conduct regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance on critical components like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
- Inadequate training: Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers receive proper training on safe driving techniques, defensive driving, and cargo loading procedures. Inadequately trained drivers are more likely to make errors that result in accidents.
- Impaired driving: Truck drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that cause drowsiness or impairment pose a significant risk to themselves and other motorists.
- Overloading or improper cargo securement: Overloading trucks or failing to secure cargo properly can lead to shifts in weight distribution, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or causing debris to fall onto the roadway.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or failing to yield the right of way can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
When negligence on the part of a truck driver or trucking company causes an accident, injured parties may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their damages. We can help investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence of negligence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Claim?
The duration of a truck accident claim can vary widely, but it is rarely a quick process. The time it takes to resolve your case depends on factors such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The complexity of the accident
- Whether the trucking company’s insurer is willing to negotiate in good faith
Your claim may be resolved in a few months through a settlement if liability is clear and your injuries are fully documented. However, if your case involves extensive medical treatment, a dispute over who is at fault, or requires filing a lawsuit, the process could take a year or longer. We will always work to move your case forward as efficiently as possible while fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Legally, you do not need a lawyer. However, if you choose to handle your case alone, you must manage all the following tasks:
- Investigating the cause of the crash
- Obtaining evidence from the trucking company
- Establishing liability
- Building a strong case against the liable party(ies)
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Preparing your case for trial
- Representing yourself at trial
You also need to fund your case, which could involve hiring accident experts and paying thousands in court costs.
Meldon Law
Address: 1 E Broward Blvd Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help